sil·hou·ette / ˌsiloōˈet/ • n. the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background, esp. in dim light. ∎  a representation of someone or something showing the shape and outline only, typically colored in solid black.• v. [tr.] (usu. be silhouetted) cast or show (someone or something) as a dark shape and outline against a lighter background: the castle was silhouetted against the sky.PHRASES: in silhouette seen or placed as a silhouette.

Silhouette ★★ 1991 (R)

Detained in a small Texas town, a woman witnesses the murder of a local girl—but in silhouette, so the killer's identity takes a feature-length running time to resolve. A fair but contrived thriller that the leading lady coproduced. 89m/C VHS . Faye Dunaway, David Rasche, John Terry, Carlos Gomez, Ron Campbell, Margaret Blye, Talisa Soto, Ritch Brinkley; D: Carl Schenkel; W: Victor Buell. CABLE

silhouette portrait or picture in solid black. XIX. From F. phr. à la silhouette, f. name of Étienne de Silhouette (1709–67), controller-general in 1759; divergent reasons are given for the application.